Travel Risks Worth Taking in 2019

By Allison Webster

If trying new things and taking more risks are some of your goals for 2019, the year is still young, and you have plenty of time to start making changes in your life. If you enjoy travelling but tend to take the safe route – the same all-inclusive resort, the same cottage rental, the same theme park family vacation – think outside of the norm and try something a little different.

Change can be scary, but that is part of the thrill of trying new things. Go a little bit outside of your comfort zone and you’ll gain so much more in return. Travel can open up our eyes to new experiences and cultures, but it’s hard to do that when you’re stuck in a travel rut – only visiting the touristy places.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ways to take a calculated risk on your next vacation.

Think outside the automobile

While booking a bus tour or renting a car might seem like the right way to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ when travelling, the truth is highways are only useful when you want to get someplace fast. They aren’t as interesting if you actually want to see something unique along the way.

Motorcycle tours are a great way for riders of all experience levels to really see the interior of a country. Many of these tours have support vehicles to ensure all riders are safe. Less experienced riders can also hop in these vans during the treacherous sections of road, securing the motorcycles in the back or on a trailer. You can take these trips through South America, Europe, Australia, parts of Africa and more.

If your idea of a bike is a bicycle rather than a motorbike, there are plenty of cycling trips out there for both athletic and leisurely riders. Cycle through the French wine country, the Dalmatian coast, along the Danube River, Costa Rica, Ecuador and so many other routes. Like the motorcycle trips, cycling excursions have support vehicles and regular stops.

If being on any kind of a bike isn’t for you, there is a classic method of transit to consider: the train. Yes, rail journeys are still a thing! From the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia to The Ghan in Australia to the Palace on Wheels in India – there are luxury (and economy) trips available that allow you to see the gorgeous landscapes from the window of a railcar. No stress – just let someone else do the driving. You can even travel through Canada this way using VIA rail.

Visit places unknown

Regardless of your chosen method of transportation, your choice of destination should be unique if you’re looking for something different. If you’re outdoorsy, consider winter or backcountry camping. It’s taking something many Canadians do every summer and adding some challenges. Obviously, if you’re inexperienced you should not attempt to do either of these things without a guide or companion. Some places can only be reached by boat, snowmobile, 4×4 or plane.

If you’re really not that outdoorsy, but still want to try something new, consider visiting smaller, lesser visited towns and cities rather than the big tourist attractions. That said, please heed any warnings about dangerous countries or places where it’s unsafe for tourists.

And even if you find yourself in Paris, London, New York, Rome or Barcelona, you can still look for a more authentic experience. Don’t eat at the North American fast-food chain you already know. Find a local neighbourhood with a pub or café where locals eat and drink. It doesn’t have to be flashy, in fact the best places often aren’t. How do you find such places? Stay off of the search engines and ask. Ask your taxi driver or the bellhop in your hotel – “where do you like to eat?”

Travel solo

In a world where we feel simultaneously isolated and connected it can be overwhelming. Many people like to talk about doing things without actually doing them. If you want to travel but don’t have a travelling companion, don’t sit around waiting to meet someone – just go. Stop talking about how much you want to see a place if only you had a friend or partner. Just go.

Solo travel has been trending over the past few years, and with good reason – it embraces the experience. Travelling alone is both scary and exhilarating. It can be nice to do things on your own terms without compromising for others. You can sleep when you want to sleep, tour when you want to tour.

If you’re worried about safety, do some research before leaving. Choose safe destinations and observe local customs and you should be fine. Take risks, but don’t risk your life.

How will you take a risk on your next vacation? What’s outside of the box for you when it comes to travel?

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